Emma Celebrezze

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

The beautiful campus and rigorous coursework initially drew me in, but I was fully convinced to come to L&C after sitting in on a class and experiencing the supportive and collaborative learning environment. It was so different from what I was used to, and exactly the kind of classroom experience I was looking for!

What have you been doing since graduation?

Immediately after graduation, I completed a term of AmeriCorps service with an organization called College Possible. After that I packed up to the East Coast for a graduate degree. I’m about to graduate from the New School for Social Research with an MA in Historical Studies. My thesis explores the early days of international space law— and builds on my RELS senior thesis!

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for grad school?

My time at L&C taught me a lot of great “hard skills” like academic writing or archival research. General organization and time management skills have also been invaluable post-grad!

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

My time as L&C really helped me identify and refine my core beliefs, both in regards to my academic interests and my approach to the world at large. I came into L&C unsure what I wanted to do with my life, and I left still unsure but feeling much more prepared to make educated decisions about my next steps.

Why did you major in religious studies and history?

I’ve always been interested in how belief (religious or otherwise) impacts our individual behavior and broader social context. The religious studies program at L&C offered a way for me to study dynamics of belief at all sorts of levels: organized religion, popular culture, history, et cetera. The department was also such a great community – small but mighty!

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I’ve attended a few alumni events, which are always lots of fun! I’ve also volunteered (on and off…) with the Philanthropy Council. I’m hoping to get more involved in the future.

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge?

It’s impossible to choose one favorite, but a class I always recommended to my peers was Jesus: History, Myth, and Mystery (RELS 330), taught by Professor Rob Kugler – which I always referred to as “Jesus Class.” This was the class that convinced me that religious studies was relevant to everyone, given the wide range of ways that religion and religious beliefs impact our world. It was also the first class where I was able to explore popular culture in an academic setting.

Where did you find your community on campus?

All sorts of places, although the religious studies and history departments, L&C Dance Company, and my Overseas program all deserve special mention.

Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

I had the honor of working closely with Emily Decker of Alumni & Parent Programs for two academic-year stints as a Student Life Intern. Emily helped me develop all sorts of professional skills, and was a great support system throughout my time at LC (and after)!

If you studied overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I chose the England (Humanities) program because I was looking for a program with a content focus on History. My dad studied abroad in London when he was in college, so that was also part of the appeal for me. Studying abroad taught me a lot of life skills, from organizing travel documents to grocery shopping for myself. I am such a homebody so it was also a real emotional challenge – but it was an invaluable experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world!

Religious Studies History